The French alto saxophonist Pierrick Pédron and Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba paired up for the very first time on this new release recorded ‘live’ on studio 2-track, not even rehearsing beforehand.

The instant rapport is though clearly evident on a high-spirited yet sparsely textured, intimate dialogue. French pianist-composer Laurent Courthaliac’s arrangements from the American songbook from early to modern jazz standards also draw out the adventurous qualities in this pairing of instrumentalists, highly regarded in their respective countries as well as internationally.

Pédron has tackled anything from the tunes of Monk through to goth-pop band The Cure and post-Steve Coleman NY funk-bop and straight ahead, while Rubalcaba needs no introductions, being a prolific Blue Note Label artist who’s played with Charlie Haden, Chick Corea and Chucho Valdes among others.

There’s no mistaking Pédron’s debt to Lenny Tristano and Lee Konitz here, and on George Russell’s ‘Ezz-Thetic’ this becomes more pronounced. Rubalcaba’s spare, exquisite percussive phrasing is the main appeal though on standard ‘The Song is You’ and a gorgeously plaintive rendition of Carla Bley’s ‘Lawns’ on which Pédron’s seductive alto tone is mesmerising. They are more playful on Sidney Bechet’s ‘Si to Vois Ma Mere’ and highlight the pair’s interest in patient exploration as well as note-fuelled excitement. On Henry Mancini’s ‘Dreamsville’ and ‘Five will get you Ten’ by Jackie McLean, another of Pédron’s central influences besides Konitz, they show a lot of character and good tight-knit communication. Rubalcaba’s dance-like comping and unpredictable melodic leaps and turns add plenty of extra spice to this highly engaging recording.